It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ann Herz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who left us peacefully, in the home she loved, on October 28, 2024.
Born in June 1939, in New Westminster, BC, Ann was the oldest of 4 children. Ann was a vibrant spirit who touched the lives of everyone she met. She was known for her warm smile. Ann grew up in a loving home that made everyone part of the family. She attended St. Ann’s Academy and then UBC becoming a schoolteacher. Her teaching career began in New Westminster where she taught her youngest sister.
In 1961, she and her husband moved to Kitimat BC for ‘two years’ and then retired from Kitimat to South Surrey 36 years later. During their time in Kitimat they made wonderful friends and enjoyed many a fun and warm time avidly playing cards, camping and curling. Ann, through her strong leadership and dedication, actively contributed to making St Anthony’s School, the parish she belonged to and the local community better places.
During her working years as a Catholic school teacher and then elementary school principal, Ann influenced students and their families as well as encouraging and empowering many young teachers. She cared deeply about all the children and often said they were “her kids and they were safe in her school.” Ann also contributed to the broader education system throughout Northern BC. Her spirit of service inspired many and left a lasting impact.
Ann had a passion for cooking and loved to entertain. Her favourite times were with her extended family enjoying a lovely meal and time together. Ann also loved gardening and found joy in transforming her yard into a blooming oasis. She was a voracious reader who could often be found lost in a novel. Ann actively watched curling on TV (rarely missing a shot from her chair in the living room) through to the end of her life.
Ann is survived by Peter, her husband of 63 years and her two children Deb (Howard) and Michael (Andrea) as well as her cherished grandchildren, Rachael and David and grand-dog Marble. She is also survived by her brother Bob and her sisters Cathy (Bob) and Susan (Chris) as well as many friends.
A celebration of Ann’s life will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the Evangelist Chapel, Gardens of Gethsemani Cemetery, Surrey, beginning at 11:00am, where family and friends can gather to share stories, laughter, and love in honour of a remarkable woman.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made, in Ann's name, by mail to St. Anthony’s school, 1750 Nalabila Blvd, Kitimat BC, V8C 1E6..
Though Ann is no longer with us, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
The family would like to extend deep appreciation to Beta, the wonderful caregivers at Harmony Healthcare, Jennifer and the other nurses and nurse practitioners, Rachel and the other OTs, Dr. Duncan of White Rock Home Health Services, Dr. R. Abraham, and the entire team at Peace Arch Hospital.